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First Nation makes bold move in Ring of Fire

A remote Northern Ontario First Nation is extending a formal invitation for mining-related companies to do business with their community in the James Bay Lowlands.
Esker Camp Aerial View(1)
Marten Falls First Nation and Noront are partnering to search for mining suppliers to operate in their Ring of Fire project.

A remote Northern Ontario First Nation is extending a formal invitation for mining-related companies to do business with their community in the James Bay Lowlands. 

Marten Falls First Nation is hosting a Ring of Fire: Emerging Business Conference, Aug. 11-12, 2010 at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay.

Event organizers are billing it as a “rare and unique” opportunity for mining equipment and service companies, finance, transportation, communications and information technology firms to get a face-to-face meeting with Chief Eli Moonias.

The Ring of Fire and the McFauld's Lake area has become one of the most exciting exploration camps in Canada. 

Marten Falls has struck a partnership agreement with Noront Resources, a leading junior miner in the Ring with chromite, nickel, copper and platinum group metal deposits.

The event begins with greetings from Chief Eli Moonias and Noront president/CEO Wes Hanson. The company will outline its development plans and supply needs over the next three to four years

Bruce Krupp, one of the event organizers, said the infrastructure requirements to service mining companies will be massive

“It's like taking Sudbury and moving it up there,” said Krupp. “Down the road, there's going to be a dozen mines running up there.

There will also be 'education sessions' on the cultural and legal requirements of doing business with First Nation communities.

Krupp said the conference is intended to introduce suppliers to Marten Falls leaders while also gaining a keen understanding of their culture and traditional area.

The community of 600 is located 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.

In almost a speed-dating format, organizers have arranged 45-minute sessions in a meeting room for companies to make their best sales pitch to community leaders.

For $5,000 per company, Krupp said you are “guaranteed access” to Moonias and council.

If that price is too steep, there is a $350 fee to attend the opening day of presentations, but leave your company literature behind for organizers and council to follow up.

“It develops an inventory of possible joint venture partners that Marten Falls can work with when the time arises. (Companies) get to meet them early and start their negotiations,” said Krupp.

“Not everyone can afford $5,000 but they may have a great product that the First Nation should see or know about.”

Krupp said some Thunder Bay companies have balked at the $5,000 fee, but two out-of-town companies have already signed up. He said it's a small price to pay considering the costs to travel to this remote community from Toronto are in the $12,000 to $15,000 range.

For details on the conference, e-mail Bruce Krupp at bruce@kruppconsulting.ca or go online at www.owbm.ca.